When Do You Need a CAT (CT) Scan for Foot or Ankle Pain?

If you’re dealing with persistent foot or ankle pain and a physical exam doesn’t reveal the cause, your podiatrist may recommend a CAT scan, also known as a CT (computed tomography) scan.

Request an Appointment

Why a CAT Scan May Be Necessary

A CAT scan provides detailed images that help diagnose conditions that may not show up clearly on a standard X-ray. It’s especially useful for detecting:

  • Arch deformities
  • Arthritis (both degenerative and rheumatoid)
  • Bone tumors or cysts
  • Flat feet and other structural issues
  • Foreign objects in the foot
  • Fractures, including stress fractures
  • Infections
  • Osteonecrosis (bone death)
  • Other bone and soft tissue abnormalities

What to Expect During the Scan

A CAT scan uses X-ray technology, but it offers much more detail than a traditional X-ray. It creates 3D cross-sectional images of your foot and ankle, giving your doctor a much clearer view of what’s going on inside.

Here’s how it works:

  • Your foot will pass through a large, doughnut-shaped machine.
  • The scanner rotates around the area, capturing multiple images from different angles.
  • A computer then combines these images into highly detailed views of the inside of your foot and ankle.

This level of detail helps your doctor tell the difference between similar-looking issues—for example, distinguishing between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid tumor.

Safety and Considerations

CAT scans involve only a small amount of radiation and are generally considered safe. However, if you are pregnant, especially during the first trimester, it’s usually best to avoid this scan unless absolutely necessary, due to potential risks to the developing fetus.

If you’ve been struggling with undiagnosed foot or ankle pain, a CAT scan might be the next step in finding answers and getting the right treatment.